Wednesday, June 18, 2008

History will look kindly on the group stage of this Euro 2008 competition. Every team, with the exception of those galling Gauls, contributed something to the cause. Even the more quiet flops-- Greece and Poland-- gifted us some highlights for the DVD. Poland got posterized by the Austrians, who notched their only goal of the championship in the clubs' Group B matchup. And it was Greek goaltender Antonis Nikopoidis who let up the howler of the championship-- thus far-- as his side were eliminated by the Russians. I'm not sure the real George Clooney would've looked much worse on that one.

But we turn our attentions now to Innsbruck, and today's group stage finale between Russia and Sweden. Neither side has impressed to this point, but a win here-- as little as a draw in Sweden's case-- should be enough to wipe clear the memory of underwhelming efforts against Spain and Greece.

The quick reset: Russia is through with a win. Sweden need just a point. Both sides will be counting on less-than-fit stars. Ibrahimovic for Sweden has a nicked up knee, while Russian captain Arshevin hasn't played since a June 4th friendly due to suspension.

The lineups (Arshevin as sub or starter? Zlatan in the fold at all?), the action, the liveblog... all after the jump

-23 min: Just took a peek over at the lineups for that utterly meaningless Spain v. Greece match. Seems Louie Boy is trotting out Cesc as part of his Si Team. Be a shame to see the boy get hurt in such a throwaway of a match. Knock on wood for his health...

-5 min: Those Adidas commercials are less special without the Inter manager.

-4 min: Good to see that Tommy Smyth, along with Howard Webb, have been banished to the "B" game.

29 min: The Russian goal a real tribute to what they've been doing the whole match. It began on the right wing, then quickly slanted inward-- one touch passes all-- until Pavluchenko stepped into one. Isaksson had no chance.

32 min: Sweden finally earn a throw-in after chasing the ball for a solid two minutes.

34 min: Larsson tries a give and go on the right wing with Zlatan, but pushed his through ball out the back of the goalline.

35 min: Corner to Russia. Their 5th. None so far for Sweden.

36 min: Skips out to the top of the box for another moon kick. Throw to Sweden.

37 min: a Red Wave rolling in at Isaksson. Matter of time you'd have to think. Sweden looks old.

39 min: Would it be crazy to say that Russia should have done better this half? With this type of sustained, devious attack they'd love to have two. Remember, one bit of luck for Sweden and they're back in the driver's seat.

40 min: Perhaps now... on their first corner?

keeper punches clear. Sweden are back in but Akinfeev snatches it up again.

42 min: Larsson slides one in toward goal, just needed a toe on it for a redirection. But alas, Russia are back attacking. Not much stodgy midfield play here.

44 min: Zlatan drops one off to Larsson, whose shot is saved from 15 yards. Sweden back on their toes.

45 min: Russia works the ball between the defenders and Semak (the holding midfielder)... they just need to get out of the half. No bugaboo goals.

and just as fast, Sweden are back in for a corner.

Mellberg just gets his head on the ball, but it dribbles off wide.

45+2 min: Halftime

Julie and co. coming up. Me = heading out.

Half wrap: All Russia for the first 25 minutes. After the goal though they seemed to wane a bit. Still managed better than good possession numbers(61%) for the half. Sweden look tired and old and tentative, but tricky too-- wouldn't put it past them to sneak one in eventually. The Russian defense is certainly suspect. I'd say-- like for Croatia last week-- they need another to feel comfortable.

Foudy now openly pining for Greece's Niko. Ugh. Note: not watching this on HD, thank Jesus. Reece continues his "I don't know shit about this sport, it's below me to get stuck in this studio for all of June, but it's not entirely boring either" routine.

Second half en route.

But first, let's review. The Q-finals so far: Germany v. Portugal(mmmm), Spain v Italy (no luck for the Spanish man... shit), Croatia v. Turkey (who'd be surprised if this were the best game?), and Holland v. (maybe, we hope) Russia... I dig 'em all.

I am Jose Mourinho. I am football coach. But where people need me I will go.

Amen.

46 min: and we're off! Again!

46 min: Can the Swedes pick up where they left off?

47 min: Lovely bit of header tennis around the middle of the park. Russian into possession.

48 min: Mellberg chucks one backward with an awful header. Corner to the Russians.

49 min: For a team financed by Chelsea money, why are Russia pussy-footing around the box like Arsenal. Cleared. Sweden come back down and are called offside. Elmander plants it in the net anyway, and for his trouble, sees yellow.

50 min: ARSHAVIN GOAL! 2-0 RUSSKIES

Like the first, the build-up was spectacular. Five straigh passes, beginning in their own side, before Arshavin rips one home from near the penalty spot... shot trailing away from Isaksson.

54 min: Considering only Turkey has come back to win in this tournament, from down two in that epic Czech match, I'd say things are looking pretty unlikely for the Swedes. They lack Turkey's pluck. (ho ho!)

55 min: Kallstrom on for Andersson, for (you guess who.)

56 min: Half of the Swedish team has played defense for the (New York hockey) Rangers, I swear.

57 min: Semak receives a yellow card for jumping on Larsson's back.

59 min: Sweden midfield is a gaping hole. Another pass goes astray for a Russia throw.

60 min: Credit now to the Russian defenders. Some probing crosses thrown in by the Swedes, but they're all booted clear without incident.

61 min: Elmander with a little run down the right. Kicked out from him for a Sweden corner.

beautiful corner in, meets with Mellberg's head, then with a fan in Row ZZ. Missed opportunity.

90 + 3 min: Nice to Roman has finally gotten his money's worth. An exciting and ballsy team he's funded (the Russians.) Mirror image to that club from London. You know, the one that finished second in all the competitions in which they did not get knocked out of by Barnsley.

90 + 4 min: Full Time. Russia 2-0 is our final. Russia through to the Q-final

Not much more to say then. Couldn't have a better final eight teams. Should be dramatic stuff. Until then... Thanks.

Andrew- I, for one, welcome our new Ginger overlord. It's a smart by at 5.5 mill. He's essentially Barry-lite, and younger. Plus, he's already gotten the "failed move to a quote-unquote big club" out of his system.

Joao Pereira of FC Braga also rumored, at a cost of 4 mill.

And Pepe Reina just let up a goal to the most negative team in Euro 2008.